Manny Pacquiao Urges SpaceX to Build a Launchpad in Mindanao, Further the PH’s Space Exploration Efforts

On Monday, Senator and presidential aspirant Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquaio has called on Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to build a launchpad on Mindanao Island after meeting with the company’s top executives. Pacquiao believes that doing so would generate countless jobs for Filipino scientists, engineers, and laborers while also furthering the country’s efforts for space exploration.

“The involvement of SpaceX in our country will not only bring in investments and jobs but will also put us at the forefront of space science,” explained Pacquiao. Should the move push through, it could allow the Philippines to launch its own satellites into space for communications, weather monitoring, topography mapping, environment protection, and research.

Having its own communications satellite, in particular, is significant for the country as Filipinos continue to rely on the internet under the circumstances of the prolonged global pandemic. Mindanao would also be an ideal location for a launchpad because of its positioning near the equator, furthered Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III who is a political ally backing Manny Pacquiao.

“This technology provides various uses such as advancing online learning, e-government services, and disaster relief and coordination, as well as linking our overseas Filipino workers to their loved ones,” elaborated Pacquiao. “Our future needs this technology.”

Among Pacquaio’s platforms for the presidential race includes the construction of an extensive subway system in major urban areas as well as the modernization of jeepneys with Tesla batteries. Over the weekend, the presidential aspirant also met with the officials of American construction company Boring Co. — also founded by Elon Musk — that could bring his proposed subway system to reality.

Source: BusinessWorld